The 2010 Blog Paws Roundup

Blog Paws 2010 kicked off Friday in Columbus, Ohio. Three delayed flights caused me to miss the Friday night mixer, but I hit the ground running Saturday, camera in hand. Let's get a look at some of the fun. I'll barely scratch the surface, because this event completely exceeded my expectations.

 The weather was perfect, and the view from my hotel room was great.

We started our morning with a great breakfast and a speech by Andrea Arden from Animal Planet and Andrea Arden Dog Training.

A couple of pics from the event sessions. I have many, but you'll get so much more from reading here.

The registration desk. The Westin was a great place to hold the event, and the service was first rate.

Some of the exhibitors. There were free goodies galore, and nobody was really trying to sell anything - a rarity these days. It was great to meet so many company reps. 

Want your pooch on Twitter? Check out the USB receiver. 

I want this. It's perfect for mud season in Vermont, or less pleasant stains. You just fill it with water, set it on the carpet and come back in a few minutes. It does all of the scrubbing.

Kodak displayed a new system for correcting red/laser/flashy eye pics. Great for older pics you can't correct on your computer.

The friendly folks from TPPC were covering the event. A certain dog was asked to sign their celebrity wall, so I did my best to scribble on it for him.  :)

On-site doggie daycare. There was a giant room for the pooches to play in while parents attended event sessions.

There were so many sessions throughout the day that it was impossible to attend all.

There was a raffle with really nice prizes, and a silent art auction. Pieces were scattered all over the hotel. Much of it was whimsical - my favorite.

Pet lovers everywhere!

A long shot of the ballroom. The food was terrific.

Hanging with a Havanese - Cosmo, to be specific. He's a fun little chap. Look him up on Facebook!

The Saturday night mixer was held at a great open air bar in the arena district.

Many of you know Jaime from Thoughts Fur Paws. Say hi! And feel free to make fun of me for completely forgetting that I had a headset on.

There were anipals everywhere! Kenn Bell and I crashed the picture. ;)

Those of you connected to me on Facebook should note that Brewskie Butt is standing to my right. We've been picking on each other on Facebook for a year now. It was great to finally meet!

Karen Nichols, the blogger from The Cat's Meow, and Skeezix! The Cat's Meow is Catster's blog.

That's right, I hugged a cat lady and lived to tell about it!

I spent a few hours with Andrea Arden and Kenn Bell from the Dog Files at the Saturday night mixer. We discussed all things dog and I laughed until my face hurt.

It was far too late when we all managed to drag ourselves away and say goodbyes, but many of us had early Sunday morning flights to catch. I could have used another few hours to meet everyone, but there will be plenty of time for that next year. Blog Paws was an experience that I will never forget. The energy of 250+ passionate animal bloggers in one festive space is remarkable. The fact that we were fed well, the event was perfectly organized and held in such a great hotel was a big plus. The huge pile of freebies we received was impressive, and there was enough material covered to help any blogger grow. It was worth far more than the cost of admission, and I thank Blog Paws and Pedigree for making it possible for me to attend. If you are serious about pet blogging don't miss Blog Paws 2011. I'd love to meet you there.